I was elated to learn about this word about two weeks ago on Facebook. While the term sounds a bit derogatory, it, however, describes my current lifestyle accurately. As a matter of fact, I think I might be able to write the book on the topic of spuddling.
After an early retirement decision in 2011, the course of my life changed forever. At first, I was bored out of mind. I went from juggling a couple of jobs and studying to a barely simmering state. I did not appreciate my new lifestyle. I sought things to do so that I could look busy for the outside world. In the beginning, I focused on simplifying my life and improving my health. By Summer 2013, I was already down to a few suitcases of clothes, a few bins of doo-dahs and a few boxes of books, etc. I lost about 20 kg and became fitter than I was in the previous decade. Upon the advice of the nutritionist, I ate less processed food. I cooked more often even though I was not gifted in cooking. As it turned out, cooking is a time-consuming activity.
While taking care of my mother in the first part of 2015, I learned about the plasticity of the brain and care-giving for stroke patients. Other than this primary focus, I also studied theology and philosophy on my own. I did not think that it was necessary for me to obtain another degree. I was content with whatever knowledge that I could gain in my limited spare time. I self taught philosophy with no particular schedule or timetable. At about that time, I would also sew my own clothes with my mother's sewing machine. My stock of fabric went from 3 bins to 1 bin. I learned that I could live a happy life with very little.
When I came back from my East African visit in April 2016, I was told by my family that my caregiving service was no longer required. I had even more free time. I volunteered in various community events especially in the summertime. My weekends were packed with activities. I started a walking routine for my fitness. I thought of finding a companion but the encounters were not fruitful. I had been leading too much of a solitary life to get accustomed to small talks and/or tolerate the demands of a relationship. I also started to try out my hand in simple cooking and baking but it could not engage me for too long. I learned that my spuddling lifestyle did not mix too well with socializing.
Since 2013, I travel and live outside Canada for roughly six months a year. During my nomadic periods, my main activity is exploring and getting different experiences. I do not have much free time to do anything else except to prepare and record my visits. This is the most enjoyable activity for me, and I have not gotten tired of travelling yet. I had wanted to opt out of social media such as Facebook and WhatsApp in 2018. Social media is a big waste of time and it reminds me of the dog-eat-dog, competitive society that I dwell in. I reactivated my Facebook account in November 2018 during my West African journey. I made a conscious decision to use social media to educate and entertain other people though I derive no joy from it.
Other than volunteering at community events, I have also participated in research studies since 2016. Sometimes I receive an honorarium, sometimes not. I chose studies that appear to be interesting and have practical real life applications. I tried not to pick longitudinal studies because I did not like to commit myself for follow-ups in years to come. My only request for all these studies is to be notified when the findings are published. Occasionally I would take part in group discussions. I am really not that interested in other people's opinions on socio-economic issues. I might not be in circles of higher learning but I managed to keep abreast of the latest research studies.
Covid 19 Pandemic somewhat removed the volunteering component of my spuddling lifestyle. During the lock-downs, I tried my hand at cooking and baking again. This time around I was mostly successful because of the daily practice. Traditional recipes do not appeal to me as much as fusion dishes. I suppose it also serves the purpose of expressing my creativity. At about the same time, my desire in finding integrated and comprehensive solutions for climate change and renewable energy renewed. I repurposed and recycled a lot of items that were discarded in the lanes of my neighbourhood. I learned that I had to tweak my activities to fit my aptitude to make spuddling enjoyable.
Many of my friends work full time beyond the official retirement age. They don't want to retire because they are afraid that they would be bored when they retire. Their lives would become meaningless. My advice to them is that “I am having the time of my life since my early retirement in 2011.” It makes me happy to know that I can satisfy my curiosity whenever I want. I am more altruistic than ever because I have time to help people in need. I have time to practise mindful living. I even have time to write blogs and compose original, entertaining posts for social media. I have indeed mastered the Art of Spuddling. LOL
